1 of 19: Map of La Pedriza and an alternate route to ours.

2 of 19: After two hours of climbing, we reached our "base camp".

3 of 19: After all, the view deserved a good, long look.

4 of 19: And it seemed like just the right spot for our lunch.

5 of 19: So we all found a cozy spot for ourselves.

6 of 19: Out in the open would certainly get us a good tan.

7 of 19: After lunch, a siesta was called for.

8 of 19: But some hikers were restless.

9 of 19: Others found some shade and hunkered down to wait for their return.

10 of 19: The view, after all, was something to relish for hours.

11 of 19: After an hour,the summit team returned.

12 of 19: Some were none the worse for wear.

13 of 19: And finally everyone was back from the good climb.

14 of 19: But the Peña de Porrones loomed behind us.

15 of 19: Is it really that far?

6 of 19: So a team of scramblers starts up to the top.

17 of 19: After twenty minutes, we spot our man on the top.

18 of 19: And then the rest of the team tops out.

19 of 19: Hard to believe we were up there!

Our route took us from the entrance to La Pedriza, to the Collado Quebrantaherraduras and then east to west along the Cuerda de Porrones as far at La Maliciosa Baja (2028 m.)

The heat was oppressive and prudence dictated a stop.

With a clear trail leading on, and plenty of heights around to scale, a number of our group formed a "summit team" and headed up La Maliciosa Baja.

And rehydrating was crucial. The team had summited La Maliciosa Baja, at 2028 meters, but the heat took its toll.

Having rested up, the hikers who had not gone on to La Maliciosa Baja now were eyeing the crag behind us -the Peña de Porrones.

But it is now mid-afternoon, and we are neither mad dogs or Englishmen, so we start our descent in search of shade and drink.

As we drive home, we can look back at the Cuerda de Porrones that runs from right to left up to the top of La Maliciosa (2227m.) Our goal for another day and a cooler temperature.